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Letters to the Editor for the week of Feb 16th, 2012

Double or nothing on appeal?
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The recent court decision regarding the Cheakamus Crossing asphalt plant came as a real shock to me. I was so confident of the outcome that I foolishly bet a friend a bottle of wine the judge would bring in a decisive decision for Whistler.

The ramifications of the court's decision go far beyond the quality of life for the Cheakamus Crossing residents. The municipality still owes over $8,000,000 to the municipal finance authority, and there's another $16,000,000 still outstanding from the municipal capital reserves, for a total of $24,000,000 in outstanding debt on Cheakamus Crossing. Sales of the market housing and lots have been lagging, and an exodus of residents from the market-controlled part of the development would kill those sales dead. There are also several commercial lots not on the market, and un-rented commercial properties. The municipality went as far as offering a $300,000 incentive to get a local restaurant to rent one of the spaces, which has to speak about the amount of interest in those properties.

Put simply, Whistler the community, has a very significant financial interest in the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood. If the continued presence of the asphalt plant permanently tanks the sales and rentals of the market components of the development, then Whistler will be in a very big financial hole.

The other thing Whistler has to look out for is the scope of the judge's ruling. The decision, in its basest form, is that since asphalt is a manufacturing process involving gravel and aggregate, then it's a permitted use. That means that any manufacturing process involving gravel and aggregate is now an approved use under the bylaw. Armed with the court ruling, the owners of the gravel pit could apply to the province for a license to put in a concrete plant, or any other manufacturing plant that uses gravel and aggregate. An example might be a factory to make concrete garden gnomes.

Of course, the fight is far from over. The municipality can still appeal the decision, providing the municipal lawyers can find an error in law in the original ruling. As far as the continuing costs involved, a good comparison is the recent Rainbow Park lands case that the municipality intended to take to appeal (a failure on the part of the municipal lawyers to file the paper work on time scuttled that appeal). The municipality budgeted $60,000 for the appeal, and the issues in the Rainbow case trial were far more complicated and detailed than the Cheakamus Crossing case.

It's a given that there's no certainties when you go to court. If there were, I'd go double or nothing with my friend on the municipality winning the case at appeal. But when you think about the potential downsides, it doesn't seem like a huge risk to take this to appeal.

David Buzzard

Whistler

Late day ski outs can be hazardous

Last week's high pressure brought us an early taste of spring. With this comes the promise of longer days. For backcountry skiers this could mean extra runs.

In the ski area there is a strong temptation to hang around, socialize, catch the sunset, take some photos and ski-out. This, however, can pose a problem for mountain operations. Most backcountry skiers are becoming educated on the well-known familiar risks (avalanches, exposure) and know basics in route finding and self-rescue.

It is the general public avoiding sweep that I believe are unaware of dangers of skiing out. If you ski out after sweep you are technically trespassing and assume your own risks. The main risk is a conflict with a snow cat or snow mobile. Recently a rare opportunity to groom Peak to Creek was aborted because dozens of people skiing out made the potential for a collision far too great.

There are usually four winchcats working on each mountain and hook up moments after sweep. With up to one kilometre of cable per cat, this lengthy hazard is virtually invisible in the flat light of dusk. This cable is under several tons of tension. I have seen it slice through a hard breakover like it was a piece of cheese. It often hovers above the ground, and can move erratically. Over the years there have been many close calls, and fortunately only a few serious injuries, but I fear it's only a matter of time before there's a fatality.

I don't advocate regulating the backcountry, however, those users would be wise to ski out beyond the ski area boundary i.e.: Singing Pass, Khyber. If conditions and circumstances only favour re-entering the ski area, avoid advanced runs (which often get winched) and stick to the main easier ski outs.

If you see a groomer please don't hide, we're not cops. If you make yourself visible we can direct you and alert other operators. Runs being winched are marked by strobe lights and stop signs at the anchor points and road crossings. Stop and be patient, we will eventually come up and give you clearance. Do not take shortcuts or dip in and out of the trees. If you are a regular backcountry late skier you should probably contact the patrol or groomers cell numbers for your safest routes out or in case you encounter a problem. Watch for track marks, nerdballs and please stay off the fresh grooming if you can. Your ruts can freeze up into hazards and its frustrating having to re-do trashed passes.

As a winch cat operator I'm paid a slight premium, I assume for danger pay. Ironically inside the cat is a very safe place and the dangers lie outside. The only major stress I have at work is the possibility of someone else getting hurt and the trauma that could result.

Mike Roger

Whistler/Birken

Support Whistler youth

Music is one of the most important things in life for me and for many people. I have been a DJ for many events like weddings, nightclubs, office parties, high school dances, elementary school dances, cruise ships, and many others.

I vividly remember the ruckus kids make for their favourite song and sometimes the disappointment people have when I just can't play "that song," especially Celine Dion.

Dances are a great time for people and especially for the kids at Myrtle Philip elementary school. Being a resident for many years in Whistler I have had the honour to know the parents and some of their kids. I have worked with many kids over the years, but I have to say the kids in Whistler are doing a great job! The kids are polite, courteous, and best of all happy! Being in the environment that they are in I always thought they would be brats, but they are the complete opposite! I have to salute the Whistler parents for doing such a good job!

I look forward in being their DJ for the fourth time this Feb. 17 and ask all local businesses to support Whistler elementary schools. It is a safe investment for the future "Leaders of Whistler!"

Stunning Steve Jiu

Whistler

Fraser Rankings

First of all, I would like to express my disappointment that you have chosen to write an article about the Fraser Institute School Rankings ("Myrtle Phillip school 'fast-rising' star of rankings", Pique Feb. 9). Teachers have been opposed to the rankings since they were first produced by the Fraser Institute in 1998 for secondary, and in 2003 for elementary schools. Most partner groups, including school trustees, parent advisory councils, principals, and superintendents, have also spoken out against these damaging rankings because of the impact they have on schools and communities.

Please allow me to provide some context around the Fraser Institute and the flawed methodology of their rankings.

The Fraser Institute is a right-wing think tank whose stated aim is: "A free and prosperous world through choice, markets and responsibility." In the education sector, the Institute's agenda is to promote private schools at the expense of public education. I would also like to point out that, in using only data gathered from the narrowly focused FSA tests, the rankings completely ignore core academic areas like science and social studies, and other important elements such as citizenship, creativity, critical thinking, the arts, and physical education. The quality of a school and the work educators do there is so much more than one test could ever measure.

I hope that you will continue to seek input from local educators, including teachers, school principals, and school district management. On the Fraser Institute rankings, I think you will find that we are in agreement. Simply put, the rankings are misleading and punitive. Using FSA test scores to blame and shame schools who are working to meet the needs of all children is unnecessary. Even the Ministry of Education opposes the rankings: "Attempting to rank schools or districts based on FSA results invites misleading comparisons that ignore the particular circumstances that affect achievement in each school."

Finally, I hope that parents in the Sea to Sky corridor will ignore the rankings, and instead pay a visit to local schools, and speak with local educators, when making a decision about where to send their children. If you have any questions regarding the Fraser Institute Rankings, please feel free to contact the Sea to Sky Teachers' Association at 604-892-3056.

Beth Miller, president, Sea to Sky Teachers' Association

Squamish

Strata not to blame

The article "Asphalt ruling latest let down for residents," published Feb. 9 (in Pique) included incorrect information. I was the first president of the SPRINGS building Strata Council, acting on behalf of the SPRINGS Strata Corporation.

Indeed, as stated in this article correctly, we, the owners had a 22 per cent increase in our strata fees in our second year. But it was not the Strata Corporation that was at fault! We had nothing to do with creating the first year's budget — this budget was presented to us during our first annual general meeting. There was no time to review it. We relied totally on the expertise and due diligence of our property management company, which was hired by the developer months before we, the SPRINGS owners, moved in and Strata Corporation was created.

Indeed there were budget lines omitted such as expenses for the District Energy System, natural gas cost as well as many other gross errors.

Due to the SPRINGS Strata Council hard work we have discovered and corrected these numerous budget errors and the result was the unpleasant hike in the Strata Fees.

The Property Management company was replaced and the SPRINGS budget is now in line with the true costs of running the SPRINGS Strata Corporation business.

Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in knowing more about the SPRINGS budget saga issue.

Judy Bonn, past president, Springs Strata Council

Have say on transit from Vancouver to Squamish

Someday there will be public transit linking the communities along the Sea to Sky Highway. It won't be tomorrow. It won't be easy. It won't happen unless we start somewhere.

TransLink is currently conducting a review of service on the North Shore. One of 10 proposals they are presenting for public comment is Commuter Service between Downtown Vancouver and Squamish with stops at Britannia Beach, Furry Creek and Lions Bay.

A conservative estimate places 1,000 to 1,200 people commuting from these communities every day.

At present there are 69 buses each day from Horseshoe Bay to Downtown Vancouver. There are 15 buses from Lions Bay. They already have more than half the route covered. Doesn't it make sense to start the conversation now?

It is conducting a series of Community Open House meetings to present the 10 proposals and collect community input. Last week there were three of us from Lions Bay and Squamish in attendance. There will be another meeting this Wednesday, in North Vancouver.

Let's tell them that we think it's time to start talking about public transit on the Sea to Sky Highway.

Here is a link to the North Shore Area Transit Plan.

http://www.translink.ca/en/Be-Part-of-the-Plan/Area-Transit-Plans/North-Shore-Area-Transit-Plan/Overview.aspx

I look forward to seeing you in North Vancouver on Wednesday.

Murray Gamble

Squamish

Think of those around you

Hear, hear to G.D. Maxell's recent shout-out about "How bad decisions ruin lives‚" (Pique, Feb.2). Hopefully it's a reminder for all of us that a responsibility check is needed whenever someone else's well-being is at stake! I think it translates both for collisions on the highway and on the mountains.

Having snowboarded for the past 20 years, I count myself lucky that I haven't been badly injured before, but recently I was sideswiped on Rock and Roll, and ended up with a season ending injury. The fortunate part in my case was it wasn't my head, and the person who hit me did "man up," and apologized and followed-up to see how I was.

Nevertheless, now for the next while, two little kids are without a functioning full-time mom; our puppy is without his master to run him; my husband is juggling a full-time job at work and home; and some wee gymnasts in town are without one of their coaches for the rest of the season — it affects more people than one often thinks.

Since then I've heard some nastier stories of someone who took off after badly injuring a five-year-old who was skiing with his dad, and much worse injuries than mine because of on-hill collisions (I'm sure some were part of the apparently, 40 fractures at the clinic on one day a few weeks ago). In thinking it was just bad luck, I was shocked to hear that my father-in-law got spun around one week later when someone hit him from behind too (luckily resulting in no injuries). It makes me wonder what are the chances?

Anyway, thanks to Claire, ski patrol, paramedics, Whistler clinic doctors, nurses, staff, Whistler Physio, and of course, Lesley at Peak Performance for all your help in getting me on two feet again as soon as possible. Also, thanks to neighbours and friends who have been understanding and lent a very appreciated, helping hand.

Please when you're on the highway, mountains and anywhere involving others — don't think of yourself as a single entity, rather (think of yourself as) a member of the hive, where each bee respects the other's purpose!

On a final note my deepest condolences to Shafiqur Rahman's family on the loss of your father and husband, which is so much more significant than any of my concerns.

Cristiana Spooner

Whistler

Highways need grooved lane markers

The horrific, tragic vehicle crash that killed a family of five near Williams Lake last week has me wondering why more isn't being done to improve the safety of lane markings on our major roads and highways?

It used to be that lane markings were repainted with durable oil-based paints. But new environmental rules have apparently prohibited the use of these paints. This is great for the environment (and I support that), but it's not great for road safety because the water-based paints being used instead of oil just aren't standing up to BC's road conditions.

Why can't we have the lane markings inlaid into our highways just like they have on the Sea to Sky highway?  

Grooved lane markings don't wear away as easily as lines painted with water-based paint, and I've seen how they reflect back to the driver even on rainy nights with poor visibility.

I don't know how much it would cost to put grooved lane markings on all our roads and highways, but what is the real cost of safety? I'd say it's worth far more than any short-term expense that would make our roads and highways as safe as they can be.

Donald Leung

Burnaby